World War II Honoree

James William Phillips

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Rockport, Indiana

Honored By

Michael Phillips

Relationship

Grandson

ENTERED THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA ON JUNE 3, 1942. TRUCK DRIVER WITH THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION. SAW ACTION AT PELELIU, SOUTH PACIFIC, OKINAWA AND CHINA. WOUNDED IN BATTLE IN OKINAWA BUT REFUSED TO GIVE INFORMATION TO THE RANKING OFFICER THAT WOULD HAVE EARNED HIM A PURPLE HEART SO THAT ANOTHER SOLDIER MORE BADLY WOUNDED WOULD HAVE TIME TO PROVIDE HIS. AWARDED THE PRESIDENTIAL CITATION, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN THEATER RIBBON, ASIATIC-PACIFIC RIBBON WITH FOUR BRONZE BATTLE STARS, THE VICTORY RIBBON AND THE CHINA OCCUPATION RIBBON. DISCHARGED AS A CORPORAL ON JANUARY 30, 1946 AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA.